Control

Finally, your first aid is not complete without controlling the inflammation-the "C" is for control. That's right, grab the ice pack because ice is the best natural anti-inflammatory that can cool the fire of a new injury in a hurry. If you do not extinguish fires, they tend to grow out of control. But be careful not to burn your skin. So use the ice for just 20 minutes at a time throughout the day until the back pain is relieved. Now, if the ice is just not enough and you are able to use anti-inflammatory medications (check with your doctor first), the over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen sodium are all equally effective at subduing the fire of back pain. Gaining "control" over the inflammation is essential to good first aid for back pain.

Some of you may be wondering about heat at this point which is great because heat controls muscles spasms. Well, go ahead and try it. See what works best for you because some back pain is caused by inflammation, other pain is caused by muscle spasms, and some is caused by both. Ice for the first 24 hours, then heat, then alternate; all combinations work. The main point is for you to be proactive in controlling your pain. Don't panic. And stay in control during a sudden episode of back pain.

To the Rescue

Back attacks can occur at anytime, but you don't have to panic as long as you know what to do. The first 24 hours are critical for starting this first aid process-the ABC's of back pain. If you arrest the offending activity, balance the pressure, and control the inflammation, you will be on the road to recovery. Back pain has become a battlefield full of victims who did not use first aid. Some ignored the pain, some pushed beyond limits, and some didn't put fires out fast enough. These casualties of back pain are not inevitable; they are preventable with some good sense. First aid for sudden back pain is as simple as remembering your ABC's-arrest, balance, and control. 

So when do you need to call for the rescue team (emergency personnel or health care providers)? I remember one episode as a firefighter. We were called to assist a man who was in so much pain that he could not move from being wedged between the toilet and the bath tub. Obviously, some situations may require some assistance like being stuck in the bathroom or falling off a ladder. Most importantly you should know that a true back pain emergency is when the nerves suddenly stop working. Sudden, uncontrollable urges to urinate or defecate and sudden paralysis (legs or arms stop working); both are signs that the nerves might be damaged. These examples are all times when you want to remember "D" for dial 911.

Back pain happens, the responsibility for care and for deciding when to seek medical attention is yours. If you don't have an emergency situation, then first aid is a great place to start. Remember, you are your body's keeper.